Danny Ainge recovering after suffering second heart attack

The Celtics president of basketball operations was taken to the hospital in Milwaukee prior to Game 2 against the Bucks Tuesday.

BOSTON – One month after his 50th birthday in 2009, Danny Ainge suffered a mild heart attack and required surgery for a clogged artery.

Ten years later, the Celtics president of basketball operations finds himself dealing with another mild heart attack, this one occurring six week after turning 60 years old.

The Celtics announced Thursday afternoon that Ainge’s latest heart attack took place prior to Game 2 of their playoff series against the Bucks in Milwaukee Tuesday and that he “received immediate medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.’’

A press release said that Ainge was going to return to Boston “shortly.’’

In April 2009, right at the end of the regular season, Ainge woke up with chest pains and was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where a stent was inserted to unclog the artery.

While coach Brad Stevens was aware of Ainge’s medical condition earlier this week, the players were not informed about the situation until a team meeting prior to practice at the Auerbach Center Thursday.

“What he is going through is more important than any game that we’ll play,’’ said Jayson Tatum.

“We’re just waiting and hoping for a speedy recovery for him,’’ added Marcus Smart. “You hate to see that. Anything serious with your health is real concerning.

“But he has great doctors around him that take good care of him. He’s resting now from what we know and is going to make a full recovery.’’

Stevens said that he has been having “constant communication’’ with Ainge’s family this week and was optimistic that a quick recovery will take place.

“He’s resting well and feels better,’’ said Stevens. “Obviously (it’s) always scary, but he’s got a good support network. We obviously expect a full recovery and he’s feeling good, so that’s all positive, but certainly scary.

“To me, he’s a friend and the family’s been so good to us, so you don’t even think about anything else. You just want him to be comfortable and feeling great, getting better, a good prognosis. All that’s the case.’’

Ainge won two championships with the Celtics as a player after leaving the Toronto Blue Jays for the NBA in the early 1980s. He was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 1989 and after his playing career ended, became coach of the Phoenix Suns.

The Celtics hired Ainge, who was working on TNT telecasts, to be the executive director of basketball operations 16 years ago this month while they were in a playoff series against the New Jersey Nets and he became the president of basketball operations in 2008.

Just last month, Ainge was discussing the stress that goes into running a front office while talking about the sudden resignation of Magic Johnson with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“When I’m having bad days, I often wonder, that one night a week on TNT is awfully easy compared to this,’’ said Ainge. “So I certainly understand it.

“I have no idea what Magic’s going through out there. I know what the job entails and it’s a lot.’’

Johnson was among those in the NBA who sent a message to Ainge via Twitter.

“Sending best wishes and get well soon to Danny Ainge, who is one of the toughest and most fierce competitors I’ve ever played against,’’ wrote Johnson.

Tatum and Smart said they were planning to call Ainge later Thursday to see how he was doing.

“Danny’s just one of those guys who takes time out of his life, his day, whatever he’s doing to make sure you’re alright,’’ said Smart. “He constantly checks in on us, my family and everything like that.

“Personally for me, he’s been like another mentor for me. When I first got here, Danny was the person I saw every day and talked to. He means a lot to my life.’’

Smart said that a victory in Game 3 over the Bucks on Friday would help make Ainge feel better.

“By far it would,’’ he said. “He has that competitive nature in his position here now. Age is only a number to Danny. He still thinks he’s young. To get a win would be huge for him.’’

Jim Fenton may be reached at jfenton@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFenton_ent.